FIRESAFETY&SECURITY
Don’t panic:
a guide to
hardware for
emergency exits
In an emergency, evacuating a building
needs to be as simple as possible. Once
building users have found an emergency
exit, it is essential that they can open doors
easily so that everyone can leave safely.
» ARCHITECTURAL
ironmongery plays a large role
in helping with this but getting
the right types of hardware for
panic and emergency exit doors
is key. Here is some advice from
ARRONE, the sister brand of
HOPPE, about considerations
when choosing the right hardware.
WHAT IS THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
PANIC AND EMERGENCY
EXIT HARDWARE?
When choosing which panic
or emergency exit hardware is
required, the building’s type,
application, its occupation levels,
and where it is in the building
must all be considered.
Emergency exit hardware
Emergency exit hardware is
mainly used in buildings where
users are familiar with exit routes,
such as private premises including
offices and warehouses, and are
not accessible to the public.
Devices for these doors could be
a simple push pad type device or
a lever handle operating a mortice
escape lock or nightlatch.
Panic exit hardware
Panic hardware is used in
buildings where members of the
public have access to the building
but may not be familiar with the
exit routes, for example hotels,
hospitals, stadiums and cinemas.
This also applies to any building
that has more than 60 people in it.
Any doors in areas that are
accessible to the public must have
a device fitted that is operable
by a horizontal bar that covers
at least 60% of the overall door
width. As well as being easier to
see and use from an accessibility
point of view, it also adds another
layer of safety functionality in the
event of an emergency.
ADDITIONAL
FUNCTIONALITY
Any additional functions,
such as enhanced security and
accessibility, also need to be
considered as this will dictate the
type of device needed.
To deliver a basic level of
functionality and a standard level
of security, a door may only require
a device with a panic latch passage
function. However, If there is an
additional security requirement, a
panic bolt device would normally
be recommended.
A panic bolt has a vertical rod
to suit the door height and has
locating bolts that go into the
floor and the top of the door
frame each time the door closes,
providing three locking points in
total, instead of just one with a
panic latch.
There is an ongoing need for
panic and emergency exit doors
on commercial buildings to also
be accessible from the outside.
For this, an Outside Access
Device (OAD) is used. It can be
locked to stop manual attack of
the device and preventing illegal
entry to the building.
‘Not all panic and
emergency exit
hardware devices
are the same’
The new ARRONE leveroperated,
OADs AR885L and
AR886L have been launched as
an addition to the AR880 series
range. The devices have been
included as an accessory to a device
successfully tested to EN179 for
emergency exit devices and BS EN
1125 for panic exit devices.
In addition to standard
testing, the lever handles of the
AR885L and AR886L have
been individually cycle tested as
an outside access device to over
30,000 cycles and torque tested to
an abuse force of one kilonewton
to ensure they can withstand
typical levels of real-life usage.
AVOIDING COMMON
MISTAKES
“A common mistake we see
when it comes to panic and
emergency exit hardware is
poor fitting,” said Jason Tonks,
technical manager of ARRONE.
“Not all panic and emergency exit
hardware devices are the same. It
is therefore critical that anyone
installing this type of hardware
reads the fitting instructions for
each product and makes sure they
are fitting the product correctly to
the manufacturer instructions and
guidance.
“This is potentially lifesaving
hardware. Getting it wrong could
result in expensive replacement
work for the device and door, and it
will invalidate all test evidence and
certification for that product.”
NEW POCKET GUIDE
ARRONE has launched a new
pocket guide for specifiers and
installers, summarising everything
they need to know about panic
and emergency exit hardware
in a conveniently sized guide.
It includes a simple three step
product selector, a section on
frequently asked questions and
advice on positioning hardware
on different types of doors.
www.hoppe.com
42 » JUL 2020 » CLEARVIEW-UK.COM